First Lady Melania Trump met with freed American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel at the White House on Wednesday, marking the culmination of diplomatic efforts that began with a private meeting with his wife, Aviva Siegel, over a year ago.
The First Lady’s January 2025 meeting with Aviva proved instrumental in securing her husband’s release from Hamas captivity.
During that meeting, Aviva presented Melania with a handmade book detailing her husband’s story and the October 7, 2023, attacks. The First Lady would go on to share the book with President Trump that same evening, setting diplomatic wheels in motion.
“That first meeting with Aviva Siegel served as a catalyst to the events leading up to Keith’s freedom. It was clear that day in New York City that Aviva Siegel’s human spirit would move mountains to rescue her husband, Keith,” the First Lady said.
Keith Siegel expressed gratitude for the Trump administration’s efforts.
“I was deeply moved to hear from the First Lady about the meetings she held with my wife, Aviva, while I was in captivity, and about the strength and support she gave to the families of the hostages throughout that difficult journey,” he said.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to First Lady Melania Trump. Meeting again today feels profoundly full circle. … I am endlessly grateful for Mrs. Trump’s steadfast support over these painful two years,” Aviva Siegel said during Wednesday’s reunion.
Keith Siegel acknowledged both leaders’ roles in his freedom.
“I am grateful to the First Lady and to the President for their tremendous efforts to secure the return of the hostages, and my own return.”
